High speed self-contained reader for part identification has Ethernet connectivity

Citation

(2002), "High speed self-contained reader for part identification has Ethernet connectivity", Sensor Review, Vol. 22 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2002.08722dad.002

High speed self-contained reader for part identification has Ethernet connectivity

High speed self-contained reader for part identification has Ethernet connectivityKeywords: Auto ID, Machine vision

In-Sight ID Reader is a self-contained Ethernet-ready vision sensor designed specifically for reading 2D matrix and linear bar codes on parts, particularly when the codes are badly formed or use difficult to read marking techniques (see Plate 2). The camera and processor are built into a single enclosure, a unique integration of machine vision camera and image processing technologies. The reader size is only 38mm x 117mm, and can read codes which have been poorly formed, distorted, or degraded at very high speeds (up to 25 codes per second). Manufacturers in a variety of industries will use the Reader to improve the traceability of parts, ranging from direct-marked engine pistons to labeled pharmaceutical packages. Justin Testa, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Cognex, says:

"The In-Sight ID Reader takes standalone, 'plug-and-play' code reading to the next level by combining the size, simplicity and cost found in many commercially available code readers with the reading performance of an advanced vision system.

"By acting as an Ethernet node, the Reader can share real time ID information with other networked locations throughout the plant, and can be configured, maintained and managed for any remote site."

Plate 2 The InSight™ ID Reader

Unlike most conventional code readers used in manufacturing, the ID Reader uses specialised image pre-processing and identification software algorithms, enabling it to provide reliable reading performance on low-contrast, poorly formed codes that result from process degradations, as well as from marking techniques such as dot-peen marking and laser etching. As it decodes, the ID Reader can also provide process feedback about code quality to indicate how well or poorly marking equipment is functioning. A number of commonly-used code formats are supported, including Data Matrix ECC200, Code 3-of-9, Interleaved 2-of-5, and Code 128, UPC, EAN, PostNet, and PlanetCode barcodes.

Simple to use, the ID Reader requires no programming, and applications are set up using a pre-configured application template. From the template, parameters such as code type and advanced decoding options can be easily entered via the Reader's vision spreadsheet interface. Additionally, the ID Reader can be easily integrated with labelers, marking systems, and other equipment via its built-in Serial or Ethernet communication ports.

The self-contained In-Sight ID Reader, equipped with all ID software pre-installed, is under $3,500. A number of peripheral accessories are offered, including LED-based lighting modules, I/O modules, cables, and lens kits

Technical contact: Geoff Collins, Cognex UK, Units 7-9, First Quarter, Blenheim Road, Epsom, KT1 9 90N, UK. Tel: +44 (01372) 754 100, Fax: + 44 (01372) 754 150 E-mail: gcollins@cognex.com